Generosity of ‘angel’ helped spread warmth

Published: Wednesday, Nov. 21, 2012 1:15 a.m. CDT

By Pam Vandervinne Morrison

On Saturday, an “angel” was laid to rest at Coloma Township Cemetery. Her name was Thelma Sipe. A lot of people did not know her by name, but she provided hundreds of pairs of handmade mittens and hats, baby blankets, and special Christmas crafts for needy families for the past several years.

Her generosity kept many Whiteside County children warm and happy during the holiday seasons. She inspired others to join her in making those handmade items for children. Thelma was very passionate about all children being warm and having a special treasure at Christmas.

She spent her own dollars and so much time making those wonderful items. She will be so dearly missed by all of us at the Whiteside County Health Department. We referred to her as our little elf. It was such a joy for her when she had the chance to come to our agency-sponsored holiday party to see the children picking mittens and hats off the tree and cuddling with a new handmade quilt.

Even after she had a stroke, she continued in her quest to serve others by providing so many items for needy families served by the health department.

I know she will be looking down from Heaven this holiday season watching others help us with the task that she started. Love you and miss you, Thelma. Rest in peace.

Note to readers – Pam VanderVinne is a registered nurse and case management coordinator at the Whiteside County Health Department.